Brick and block jig



April 24, 1962 M. E. BREWER ET AL 3,030,738

BRICK AND BLOCK J'IG Filed July 10, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet l 26 Max E. Brewer Charles D. Hofmann INVENTORS April 24, 9 M. E. BREWER ET AL 3,030,738

BRICK AND BLOCK JIG Filed July 10, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Max E. Brewer Char/es D. Hafmann United States Patent Ofilice 3,@3h,738 Patented Apr. 24, 1962 and Charles D. Hofmann, San Diego, Calif.; said Hofmann assignor. to said Brewer Filed July 10, 1958, Scr. No. 747,624 7 Claims. (Cl. 50538) This invention relates generally to aligning jigs, and more particularly to a jig which is particularly adapted for as: in masonry work as in setting bricks, blocks and the The primary object of this invention is to provide a br1 ck and block jig which may be used by a layman to quickly and accurately set bricks and blocks to obtain a finished product that is superior in appearance to blocks set by the conventional hand method.

Another object of this invention is to which will be self-aligning, onto the lower course of blocks which were set, so that all a user need to do is to place the jig upon the lower course of blocks, and insert the new block therein, thus eliminating the slow and tedious setting of blocks which was heretofore necessary in the art.

Yet, a further object of this invention is to provide a device of the character described, wherein the same spacng is provided between adjacent bricks and between adacent courses of bricks, so that a straight, accurate, and level row of blocks may be set.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a device of the character described wherein means are provided thereon for smoothing the outer portions of the mortar joint, in both the horizontal and the vertical joints, so that a neat joint will be provided with little waste of mortar caused by the flow of mortar out of the joint and down onto the sides of the blocks.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive device and yet one which is exceedingly eifective for the purpose for which it is designed.

The foregoing objects and others ancillary thereto are accomplished as follows:

According to a preferred embodiment of my invention, the jig is constructed of side members which are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the bricks to be set. Horizontal spacing bars are mounted on the inner surfaces of the sides and opposed to each other, the inner surfaces of the horizontal spacing bars being a distance less than the width of the blocks, so that the jig may be set on the blocks of the lower course previously set, and the jig thereby supported by the inwardly extending horizontal spacer bars. Mortar is then placed on the lower course of blocks between the horizontal spacer bars, and a new block inserted between the sides and onto the horizontal spacing bars, so that all of the mortar joints will be of the same vertical height. The block is then moved back and forth in the jig so as to properly position it. When the jig is moved horizontally into position to accept the next block, the mortar in the horizontal mortar joints is smoothed by the horizontal spacer bars.

Also provided upon the sides, are outwardly extending flanges having vertical surfaces which constitute vertical guides on the outer surfaces of the sides and at one end thereof. Aligned with the vertical guideway formed therebetween, is a slot formed through the side members which extends down to the upper surface of the horizontal spacing bars. A U-shaped spacing plate, having spaced downwardly projecting vertical spacing bars, may be slidably mounted in the guideways, and when so positioned, the inner surfaces of the vertical spacer bars will be flush with the inner surfaces of the horizontal spacing bars, so that one side surface of the spacing plate may be abutted against the block which has just been set and then after provide a jig mortar is placed upon the vertical end of the last block set, the next block to be set may be inserted onto the horizontal spacing bars and moved toward the last set block until it abuts against the spacing plate, whereby the horizontal spacing between the vertical mortar joints will also be uniform because of the spacing plate. It is to be noted, however, that both the operation of using the horizontal spacing bars and the vertical spacing bars is done at one time. After the block is set into position, the vertical spacing plates would be removed by sliding it upwardly in a vertical direction, whereby the vertical mortar joint will be smoothed. Then, the jig may be moved in a horizontal direction as previously mentioned to smooth the horizontal jointt Of course, it will be realized, that in order to move the jig in the horizontal movement, the spacing plate must be first removed since othenwise it will be engaged between the last two blocks which have been set.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a group perspective view of the brick and block jig comprising the present invention, illustrating the spacing plate removed therefrom and positioned thereabove;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIGURE 1 with the spacing plate engaged in the guideways;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view illustrating the jig in use in setting blocks onto a masonary wall;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken substantially along the plane defined by reference line 44 of FIGURE 3 illustrating details of construction thereof; and

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially along the plane defined by reference line 5-5 of FIGURE 3 illustrating further details of construction.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the numeral 10 generally designates the block and brick jig comprising the present invention. This jig has side members 12 and 14 which are spaced from and parallel to each other and each of which is disposed in a vertical plane. Each side member is constructed having a longitudinal portion 16, having an upstanding portion 18 on the end thereof. The sides 12 and 14 are connected together by an end supporting member 20, and a top supporting member 22 which is connected between the upper ends of upstanding portions 18.

Slots 24 are formed in the upper edges of side portions 16, and adjacent the forward edge of the upstanding portion 18 so that the forward edge of this portion 18 constitutes one of the inner surfaces of slot 24. This slot does not extend below the medial portion of side mem bers 12 and 14. Guide bars 26 are connected vertically on either side of slot 24 for a purpose which will be explained below. A pair of opposing horizontal spacing bars 28 are connected to the inner surfaces of side members 12 and 14, and the upper surface of the horizontal spacing bars are flush with the bottom edge of slots 24.

A spacing plate generally designated as 30 and generally U-shaped, is provided, and is to be engaged in the slots 24 and between the guide members 26. The spacing plate 30, is constructed having vertical spacing bars 32 depending therefrom with a bight portion 34 connecting the upper ends thereof. The lower inner corners of each of the vertical spacing bars 32, are notched out as at 36 for a purpose which will be explained below.

In the use of this device, FIGURE 3, it may be seen that a row or masonry wall of blocks is generally designated at 40 and the individual blocks are designated as at 42. A block which is to be set with this device, is designated as at 44. In the use of this device, it is first necessary that the first or bottom row of blocks be set in the conventional manner. Great care should be used in setting this first row to achieve maximum regularity and alignment. However, in setting the additional rows of blocks the jig will be used. In setting the first block in any one row, the spacing plate 30 will not be used. When setting the first block of the second course, the jig will be placed over the lower row of blocks, with the lower edges of horizontal spacing bars 28 resting upon the lower course of bricks, and thus supporting the jig 10. Then, mortar is placed upon a lower block in the first course, and the first block in the second row will be placed into the jig and placed upon the upper surfaces of horizontal spacing bars 28, and between the opposing edges of top supporting member 22, and end supporting member 20. The horizontal spacing bars will insure that each of the blocks is being set in a level position, and the sides 12 and 14 assure proper alignment of each of the blocks and also insure that the layer of mortar between courses is confined to precise location desired. After the first block in the row has been inserted, the jig may be moved down into position to set the second block. However, in sliding the jig, the mortar in the joint will be smoothed by the horizontal spacing bars. When the top supporting member 22 is clear of the first block which was set, the spacing plate 30 may be inserted into the guideways formed between the guide members 26. When set in this position, it is to be noted that one surface of the plate 30 will be flush against the forward edges of upstanding portions 18, and against the edge of member 22, and these edges will serve in further supporting this plate 30 in position. Furthermore, as can be seen more clearly in FIGURE 5, the notched out portions 36, provide room for the adjacent portions 16 of the side walls, and the horizontal spacing bars. After the first block in any one row is properly set, the jig may be properly aligned by simply moving the jig toward the first block until the spacing plate abuts against the end of this first block. When in this position, as may be seen in FIGURE 3, the horizontal spacing bars continue to give some support to the first block, since they are disposed between the lower course of blocks and the first block. To set the second and all the succeeding blocks, mortar would again be placed upon the lower course of blocks. The last block set must be mortared on the free end, and the next block is then placed into the jig, between the sides 12 and 14, upon upper surfaces of horizontal spacing bars 28, and between end supporting member 20 and top supporting member 22. The block should be placed firmly against the vertical spacing plate or more specifically against the horizontal spacing bars. When this has been done, the vertical spacing plate will be removed by being pulled upwardly in a vertical direction. This action will smooth the end of vertical joint. After this has been done, the jig proper may be moved in a horizontal direction as before, thus smoothing the horizontal joint. This process will be repeated for all the additional blocks in the row.

It may now be seen that there has been herein shown and described a new and improved type of brick and block laying jig which will make it possible for any inexperienced person to build a professional looking masonry structure. The use of the jig assures uniform horizontal and vertical joints, as well as proper block alignment and level construction.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A brick and block jig comprising two horizontally extending spaced parallel sides, each of said sides defining a vertical plane means joining said sides together to form a rigid structure, opposing horizontal spacing bars secured to said sides intermediate top and bottom surfaces thereof for supporting said jig on blocks beneath and in turn supporting an additional block above thereon, said additional block being spaced from the blocks therebeneath by the vertical thickness of said horizontal spacing bars whereby upon horizontal movement of said jig the mortar between the horizontal spacing bars will be smoothed, a spacing plate having vertical spacing bars projecting inwardly of said parallel sides, and means removably supporting said spacing plate on said sides for vertical sliding movement for spacing a block to be added from a previously added block whereby upon removal of said spacing plate, the mortar between the vertical spacing bars will be smoothed.

2. A brick and block jig comprising two horizontally extending spaced parallel sides, each of said sides defining a vertical plane means joining said sides together to form a rigid structure, opposing horizontal spacing bars secured to said sides intermediate top and bottom surfaces thereof for supporting said jig on blocks beneath and in turn supporting an additional block above thereon, said additional block being spaced from the blocks therebeneath by the vertical thickness of said horizontal spacing bars whereby upon horizontal movement of said jig the mortar between the horizontal spacing bars will be smoothed, a pair of vertical guideways on said sides at one end of said jig, a spacing plate having vertical spacing bars projecting inwardly of said parallel sides and selectively slidably engaged in said guideways for spacing the block to be added from the previously added block whereby upon removal of said spacing plate the mortar between the vertical spacing bars will be smoothed.

3. A brick and block jig comprising a body including two sides spaced apart and connected together to accommodate a block therebetween, opposing horizontal spacing members on the inner surfaces of said sides, the inner surfaces of said spacing members being spaced apart a distance less than the width of a block for supporting said body on a course of blocks and supporting an additional block thereon, said spacing members having a vertical dimension to provide a mortar joint whereby upon horizontal movement of said jig the mortar in the joint will be smoothed, a spacing plate having vertical spacing bars projecting inwardly of said parallel sides, and means removably supporting said spacing plate on said sides for vertical sliding movement for both spacing horizontally aligned blocks and smoothing mortar therebetween.

4. A brick and block jig comprising a body including two sides spaced apart and connected together to accommodate a block therebetween, opposing horizontal spacing members on the inner surfaces of said sides, the inner surfaces of said spacing members being spaced apart a distance less than the width of a block for supporting said body on a course of blocks and supporting an additional block thereon, said spacing members having a vertical dimension to provide a mortar joint whereby upon horizontal movement of said jig the mortar in the joint will be smoothed, the inner surfaces of said sides being spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the block, said spacing members extending longitudinally of the sides and between the upper and lower edges thereof, that portion of the sides below the spacing members including the lower surfaces thereof providing a lower seat on said body for straddling a course of blocks therebelow, that portion of the sides above said spacing member including the upper surfaces thereof providing an upper seat for accommodating the block to be added, a spacing plate having vertical spacing bars projecting inwardly of said parallel sides to the inner surfaces of said spacing members, and means removably supporting said spacing plate on said sides for vertical sliding movement for both spacing horizontally aligned blocks and smoothing mortar therebetween.

5. A brick and block jig comprising a body including two sides spaced apart and connected together to accommodate a block therebetween, opposing horizontal spacing members on the inner surfaces of said sides, the inner surfaces of said spacing members being spaced apart a distance less than the width of a block for supporting said body on a course of blocks and supporting an additional block thereon, said spacing members having a vertical dimension to provide a mortar joint whereby upon horizontal movement of said jig the mortar in the joint will be smoothed, a pair of vertical guideways on said sides at one end of said body, a spacing plate upwardly removable after each block is set to permit the jig to be shifted horizontally and having a pair of vertical spacing elements thereon selectively slidably engaged in said guideways, slots formed in said sides in alignment with said guideways, portions of said vertical spacing elements projecting inwardly through said slots, the inner surfaces of said vertical spacing elements being spaced apart a distance less than the width of a block so the sides thereof may abut against the last block placed into position, said vertical spacing elements being horizontally spaced apart a distance slightly less than the width of the blocks being set whereby upon vertical movement of said spacing plate the mortar in a corresponding vertical joint will be smoothed.

6. A brick and block jig comprising a body having opposite side members spaced apart and connected together for straddling a course of bricks or the like, said side members being provided with spacing means projecting inwardly therefrom to be spaced apart by a distance less than the width of the brick straddled by said body so that said spacing means is engaged upon the opposite sides of the brick to support the body thereon,

and said spacing means being of a vertical thickness to support a newly laid brick thereon above the masonry therebetween straddled by said body, to provide a mortar joint therebetween and to smooth the mortar upon longitudinal movement of the body to position the same for subsequent brick laying operation, a spacing plate having vertical spacing bars projecting inwardly of said parallel sides, and means removably supporting said spacing plate onsaid sides for vertical sliding movement for both spacing horizontally aligned blocks and smoothing mortar therebetween.

7. A brick and block jig comprising a body having opposite side members spaced apart and connected together for straddling a course of bricks or the like, said side members being provided with spacing means projecting inwardly therefrom to be spaced apart by a distance less than the width of the brick straddled by said body so that said spacing means is engaged upon the opposite sides of the brick to support the body thereon, and said spacing means being of a vertical thickness to support a newly laid brick thereon above the masonry therebetween straddled by said body, to provide a mortar joint therebetween and to smooth the mortar upon longitudinal movement of the body to position the same for subsequent brick laying operation, second spacing means projecting inwardly from said side members for spacing an end of the newly laid bricks horizontally from an adjacent brick in the same course as the newly laid brick, guide means supporting said second spacing means on said sides for vertical sliding movement for smoothing the mortar between the end of the newly laid bricks and the end of the adjacent brick in the same course.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,690,856 Clementson Nov. 6, 1928 1,742,103 Sholtes Dec. 31, 1929 2,648,974 Sommers Aug. 18, 1953 2,663,182 Sommers Dec. 22, 1953 

